Interview to B.B.C. London, August, 1966
B.B.C.: There is so much of conflicting interest in Asian nations and likewise in Africa. Do you think it is possible for Africa and Asia to form a united front against the West politically and economically?
Bhutto: Afro-Asian solidarity, in my mind, is not directed against the West: it is not directed against any other force or power. It is a great misconception that some countries think that Afro-Asian solidarity is directed against them. And, therefore they describe and call it a myth. But it is inevitable. These are proletarian nations and they are underdeveloped. Their problems are of common interest and they have to collectively safe-guard their interests. It is then a question of safeguarding our interests and it is not a question of taking initiatives. With the onslaught and the gross interference in the internal affairs of Asia and Africa it is essential that we get together and have a solidarity and common interest.
B.B.C.: Do you see the current politics in China as indicative of a new system of Government?
Bhutto: I do not know. I would not call it a purge. I think it is an internal situation and they have the capacity and they have the leadership to know what is in their interest. I would not call it anything beyond their internal situation.
B.B.C.: Do you foresee a more relaxed form of Government in China?
Bhutto: That depends on the attitude towards China. China can only take a relaxed attitude or a relaxed form if the position towards China is more flexible. But at the present time the position towards China is a very rigid one. In fact, demonstrations are taking place everywhere against China and obviously the people in that country want to safeguard their interests.
B.B.C.: Already there is regional co-operation between Turkey. Pakistan and Persia. Do you foresee a confederation of these three countries when the Kashmir conflict is resolved?
Bhutto: There are many links and affinities between our countries which have been put to good use with good leadership. I think that the prospects of much greater cooperation exist among our three countries. At the same time we must take into account that Pakistan is in two halves. There is the East and the West. The majority of our people live in the East, so it calls for some co-operation with the Eastern countries as well. In this respect this was my effort to try and bring Pakistan and Indonesia closer together and it has given us a good balance because the future of Pakistan depends on a balance between the East and the West. I cannot envisage anything for the country more important than having greater links between Pakistan and Indonesia.
B.B.C.: There have been reports about the Chinese supplying arms to Pakistan. Is there any truth in this?
Bhutto: I suppose everyone knows about it. You cannot keep these things secret. The question is if we have received them, we must take into account the circumstances and conditions in which we can take arms from China. We were victims of aggression and the arms supplied by the Western countries, our allies, our friends were suspended. If you are fighting for your life and you want a gun to defend yourself and to defend Pakistan’s territorial and national integrity, and the Government seeks assistance from else-where, it should be understood.
B.B.C.: Do you think that the Tashkent agreement is working or moving towards its failure?
Bhutto: Much has been said on the Tashkent agreement, the Tashkent spirit. India says that Pakistan is violating the Tashkent agreement. Pakistan says India is violating the Tashkent agreement. Tashkent is not a catholic term, not comprehensive. It is not a totality. An effort was made to bring about reconciliation between India and Pakistan. Efforts have been made in the past and for every effort we are grateful and thankful. But this over-capitalization of a particular effort leads to some error and some confusion. I am not in any way detracting from the efforts made by the Soviet Union. We are grateful to the Soviet Union. It must be understood and known that I was the first person to initiate in Pakistan relations between Pakistan and the Soviet Union in 1960, when I went to the Soviet Union to sign an oil deal. I have repeatedly said that we should have good relations with the Soviet Union. I would like to see Pakistan have even better relations with the Soviet Union, but they must be rooted in realities and the reality is not to overplay Tashkent.
B.B.C.: Since your resignation do you visualize a change in Pakistan’s foreign policy and altitude towards the West?
Bhutto: We were never anti-West, though, I know, I have been described as anti-West. I don’t think I am anti-West at all. I have great affinities and liking for the West. I see great possibilities of co-operation between Asia and Europe. It was in my tenure that relations between Pakistan and France, for instance, made many strides. And I think that France is a part of the West. No matter what some people may say about General de Gaulle’s policies, these policies are totally successful, but that is beside the point. However, I do not think there is any likelihood of any basic change.
B.B.C.: Do you intend after your tour to go back info politics?
Bhutto: Well, I have not left politics.